Search form

Main menu

You are here

Fireworks back on city agenda

The Lebanon City Council is expected to again take up the issue of fireworks sales inside the city limits Tuesday. The council placed the issue on its agenda before its last meeting two weeks ago, but delayed it to refine languaged in the proposed ordinance.

The Lebanon City Council is expected to again take up the issue of fireworks sales inside the city limits Tuesday.

The council placed the issue on its agenda before its last meeting two weeks ago, but delayed it to refine languaged in the proposed ordinance.

Lebanon police Chief Scott Bowen said he sees both sides of the issue, but his main concern is safety. He thinks the ordinance will pass.

"I understand the economic side of the question," he said. "I trust the council will make sure we don't have those fly-by-night places selling them."

He worries about his officers in light of a 2000 incident when two people were injured after firewords were shot at officers.

"We've not had an incident like that of 2000 since then," he said. "I hope that's not what this leads to. I'm concerned about people who are up to no good."

Bowen will also be closely watching a proposed line-item transfer to buy upgraded radio equipment for police, a proposal to hire a new officer to replace one who retired for medical reasons and a proposal to finish buying new police equipment.

The chief is also proposing an ordinance to transfer ownership of the retired police canine officer, Cheyenne, to her handler, Kevin Ragland. Bowen said the dog has reached the end of her service and is ready to retire.

"We were blessed when another agency dropped out of training so we got the dog for half price," he said. "Normally it costs $7,500 for a dog, plus the training. With Cheyenne, we got her for $3,750, and the training was already paid for."

He said Cheyenne is the department's only canine officer, and losing her will cut back on insurance liability costs.

"She's done great work," he said.

The council is also expected to:

• consider the city's stormwater management policies.

• hiring three people to work at the Jimmy Floyd Center.

• consider buying five MSA carbon cylinders for the fire department.

• allow commissioner of public works Jeff Baines to advertise for bids for a sidewalk project along South Greenwood Street.

The council will meet at 6 p.m. at the Town Meeting Hall. A work session is set for 5:15 p.m. to discuss drainage improvements.